SAP HANA, express edition (server-only): You can connect using SQL clients like SAP HANA Studio or any other client. Includes the Predictive Analytic Library, Machine learning libraries and other advanced analytics. You can find this option in this other tutorial

SAP HANA, express edition + XS Advanced Applications (also referred to as XSA): Includes all of the other features plus the Cloud Foundry based development platform, SAP Web IDE for SAP HANA, administration cockpit among other applications like SHINE and Smart Data Streaming. OData support, Node.js and Java runtime environments are also included. This option requires more resources. This version is covered in this tutorial.

In the search box, enter HANA express

Click on the option that includes Server + applications.

Step 2: Create your instance

Click on Create to start the process of creating your instance.

The wizard will walk you through the basic steps. Fill-in the name of the instance and a username:

You can now enter a password or generate an SSH key. Complete all the fields and click on OK:

Note: Alternatively, you can follow these steps if you prefer to generate an SSH key

Step 3: Review pricing and finish setup

Step 2 in the wizard presents you with the pre-defined resources for your SAP HANA, express edition instance. You can also review the pricing per month:

Click on Select.

Step 3 will provide you with additional options. Generally, the default values should suit your needs. Review them and modify them if necessary. Click OK when ready:

Review the final summary and click on Purchase to continue:

Once deployment is finished, you will be redirected to the dashboard for your new virtual machine:

Step 4: Connect to your virtual machine using SSH

Take note of your external IP address:

If you are using a Windows computer, you will need to download an SSH client such as PuTTY.

In PuTTY, add the IP to the Host field and click OK:

>Note: If you chose to use an SSH key as an authentication method, you will need to add it in SSH->Auth

If you are using an Apple computer, open a terminal (Finder -> Applications -> Terminal)

Run the following command in the terminal, replacing the username and IP by the one in your virtual machine:

SSH
ssh <<my_username>>@<<your_IP>>

Step 5: Setup your machine

From the SSH console, enter the following command:

sudo su - hxeadm

You will be prompted for a password for the administration users. Read the rules carefully before selecting one:

Note: Please check the password policy to avoid errors

SAP HANA, express edition requires a very strong password that complies with these rules:

Cannot contain simplistic or systematic values, like strings in ascending or descending numerical or alphabetical order

You will also be asked if you want to wait for the configuration to finish. It is advised to choose No for the installation to run in the background and not be interrupted in case of connectivity issues.

You can check the status of the installation using the command cat /usr/sap/HXE/home/xsa_config_status

Once the configuration is finished, you will see the following message:

Step 6: Map the hosts file

Use your IP address to map it to the hosts file in your computer. You need administration permissions to do this.

For Windows Computers: If your user is not an administrator but has administrator rights, right-click on Notepad and choose Run as Administrator. If you are an administrator user, proceed to the next point.

Open the file or navigate with Windows explorer. You need to edit the file called hosts in the directory C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc